Mechanical joint restraint

ABSTRACT

A mechanical joint restraint includes: a gasket defining an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a bore, the bore defining an axis therethrough, the gasket defining a first gasket end and a second gasket end; a gland defining a bore defining an axis and positioned axially outward from the gasket with respect to the first gasket end with the mechanical joint restraint in an assembled condition, the axis of the gland aligned collinearly with the axis of the gasket; a gripping ring positioned between the gasket and the gland, the gripping ring being a split ring defining a pair of circumferential ends and a gap therebetween; and a bridge engaging each of the pair of circumferential ends of the gripping ring and extending in a circumferential direction of the gripping ring across the gap therebetween with the mechanical joint restraint in the assembled condition.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.16/386,627, filed Apr. 17, 2019, which is hereby specificallyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD Field of Use

This disclosure relates to joining elements of pipe systems. Morespecifically, this disclosure relates to mechanical joint restraints forjoining piping elements of pipe systems.

Related Art

A mechanical joint can be used to join a pipe length to a piping elementsuch as a valve configured to open and close; a fitting such as a tee,an elbow, or a coupling; or another pipe length. In some aspects, themechanical joint can comprise a female socket, a gland, a gasket, andthe pipe length.

The mechanical joint is popular because it can work with a plain end ofthe pipe length, unlike a grooved connection or flanged connection,which must generally be formed with special tooling. Being able to usethe plain end as-is allows for the pipe length to be cut to size in afield installation without the time and field equipment necessary toweld a flange to the plain end or to cut or roll a new groove in theplain end. Mechanical joints can generally be assembled with common handtools such as a wrench or ratchet but can sometimes be assembledincorrectly and can require time-consuming measuring and marking of thepipe length to ensure a correct insertion depth.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview ofthe disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it isintended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosurenor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is toexplain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as anintroduction to the following complete and extensive detaileddescription.

In one aspect, disclosed is a mechanical joint restraint comprising: agasket defining an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surfacedefining a bore, the bore defining an axis therethrough, the gasketdefining a first gasket end and a second gasket end; a gland defining abore defining an axis and positioned axially outward from the gasketwith respect to the first gasket end with the mechanical joint restraintin an assembled condition, the axis of the gland aligned collinearlywith the axis of the gasket; a gripping ring positioned between thegasket and the gland, the gripping ring being a split ring defining apair of circumferential ends and a gap therebetween; and a bridgeengaging each of the pair of circumferential ends of the gripping ringand extending in a circumferential direction of the gripping ring acrossthe gap therebetween with the mechanical joint restraint in theassembled condition.

In a further aspect, disclosed is a mechanical joint comprising: apiping element comprising a flange and defining a socket; a pipe lengthpositioned inside the socket; and a mechanical joint restraint securingthe pipe length to the piping element, the mechanical joint restraintcomprising a gasket defining an inner surface and an outer surface, theinner surface defining a bore, the bore defining an axis therethrough,the gasket defining a first gasket end and a second gasket end, thegasket defining a rib on one of an inner surface and an outer surface ofthe gasket.

In yet another aspect, disclosed is a method of using a mechanical jointrestraint, the method comprising: assembling the mechanical jointrestraint to each of a pipe length and a socket of a piping element, themechanical joint restraint defining an axis and comprising: a gasketdefining a first gasket end engaging the socket and a second gasket endpositioned distal from the first gasket end in an axial direction alongthe axis of the mechanical joint restraint; a gland positioned axiallyoutward from the gasket with respect to the first gasket end; a grippingring positioned between the gasket and the gland, the gripping ringbeing a split ring defining a pair of circumferential ends and a gaptherebetween; and a bridge engaging each of the pair of circumferentialends of the gripping ring and extending in a circumferential directionof the gripping ring across the gap therebetween; and drawing the glandof the mechanical joint restraint towards a flange of the piping elementto compress the gasket into sealing engagement with each of the pipingelement and the pipe length, a force resulting from movement of thegland being transferred to an entire circumference of the gasket by asurface of the gripping ring and a surface of the bridge.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may compriseadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims. Thefeatures and advantages of such implementations may be realized andobtained by means of the systems, methods, features particularly pointedout in the appended claims. These and other features will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as setforth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the disclosureand together with the description, serve to explain various principlesof the disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may bedesignated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistencyand clarity.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gate valve comprising a mechanicaljoint in accordance with one aspect of the current disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a gate valve comprising a mechanicaljoint in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a flange of the gate valve of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a flange of the gate valve of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a mechanical joint restraintof FIG. 1 and

FIG. 2, the mechanical joint restraint comprising a gasket, a grippingring, and a gland.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the gasket of FIG. 5 taken along line 6-6of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the gripping ring of FIG. 5 taken alongline 7-7 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the gland of FIG. 5 taken along line 8-8of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is an assembled perspective view of the mechanical jointrestraint of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the mechanical joint restraint of FIG. 5taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the mechanical joint of FIG. 1 takenalong line 11-11 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the mechanical joint of FIG. 2 takenalong line 12-12 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is a detail view of the mechanical joint of FIG. 1 in anassembled but untightened condition taken from detail 13 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a detail view of the mechanical joint of FIG. 1 in anassembled and tightened condition similar to that taken from detail 13of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a mechanical joint restraintin accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure, themechanical joint restraint comprising a gasket, a bridge, a grippingring, and a gland.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the gasket of FIG. 15 taken from line16-16 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the gasket of FIG. 16 in accordance withanother aspect of the current disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a detail perspective view of a first end of the gasket ofFIG. 15.

FIG. 19 is a detail perspective view of a second end of the gasket ofFIG. 15.

FIG. 20 is a side perspective view of a first end of the bridge of FIG.15.

FIG. 21 is a side perspective view of a second end of the bridge of FIG.15.

FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of a bottom end of the bridge ofFIG. 15.

FIG. 23 is a detail sectional view of the mechanical joint of FIG. 1comprising the mechanical joint restraint of FIG. 15 in an assembled butuntightened condition similar to that taken from detail 13 of FIG. 11but showing a cross-section of the mechanical joint restraint of FIG. 15including a cross-section of the gripping ring of FIG. 15 at a positionoffset from a circumferential end of the gripping ring.

FIG. 24 is a detail sectional view of the mechanical joint of FIG. 23 inan assembled and tightened condition similar to that taken from detail13 of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andtheir previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of thepresent devices, systems, and/or methods in their best, currently knownaspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspectsdescribed herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of thepresent disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desiredbenefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some ofthe features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features.Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that manymodifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible andcan even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of thepresent disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided asillustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not inlimitation thereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to a quantity of one of a particular element cancomprise two or more such elements unless the context indicatesotherwise. In addition, any of the elements described herein can be afirst such element, a second such element, and so forth (e.g., a firstwidget and a second widget, even if only a “widget” is referenced).

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect comprises from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about” or “substantially,” itwill be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. Itwill be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges aresignificant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently ofthe other endpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scalemeasures within a range between X plus an industry-standard uppertolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standardlower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances canvary between different materials, processes and between differentmodels, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particularcomponent can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, andthat the description comprises instances where said event orcircumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also comprises any combination of members of that list. The phrase“at least one of A and B” as used herein means “only A, only B, or bothA and B”; while the phrase “one of A and B” means “A or B.”

In one aspect, a mechanical joint restraint and associated methods,systems, devices, and various apparatuses are disclosed herein. In oneaspect, the mechanical joint restraint can comprise a gasket.

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of portion of a pipe system 50comprising a piping element 60 and a pipe length 70, each of which candefine an axis 101. As shown, the pipe system 50 can further comprise amechanical joint 80 in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure. Insome aspects, as shown, the piping element 60 can be a gate valve. Inother aspects, the piping element 60 can be another type of valveconfigured to open and close; a hydrant; a fitting such as a tee, anelbow, or a coupling; or another pipe length. The mechanical joint 80can comprise a flange 90 of the piping element 60 and a mechanical jointrestraint 100 for securing the pipe length 70 to the piping element 60.The mechanical joint restraint 100 can comprise a gasket 600 (shown inFIG. 5), a gripping ring 700 (shown in FIG. 5) and a gland 800, all ofwhich will be described in more detail below. The mechanical jointrestraint 100 can further comprise fasteners 190. As shown, themechanical joint restraint 100 can comprise a quantity of six of thefasteners 190, one or more of which can comprise an anti-rotationfeature such as, for example, found in T-bolts as discussed below. Eachof the fasteners 190 can comprise a head 192 (shown in FIG. 2) and ashaft 194. Each of the fasteners 190 can further comprise a nut 196.

The pipe length 70 can define an inner surface 72 and an outer surface73, a first end 75 (shown in FIG. 11) and a second end 76. As shown,each of the first end 75 and the second end 76 can define a plain end ofthe pipe length 70. A plain end of the pipe length 70 is an end of thepipe length 70 that has not been further formed beyond cutting to lengthand therefore in cross-section is substantially the same size and shapeas a cross-section of the pipe length 70 at a distance from the firstend 75 or the second end 76. A plain end of a typical pipe has the shapeof a plain cylinder.

FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of a portion of the pipe system 50comprising the piping element 60 and the pipe length 70. As shown, thepipe system 50 can further comprise a mechanical joint 80 in accordancewith another aspect of the disclosure. In some aspects, as shown, theflange 90 of the piping element 60 and of the mechanical joint restraint100 can be of a different configuration than shown in FIG. 1.Nonetheless, the mechanical joint restraint 100 can comprise the sameelements as shown in FIG. 1—namely, the gasket 600, the gripping ring700, and a gland 800—but arranged differently as desired. Again, themechanical joint restraint 100 can further comprise the fasteners 190.As shown, the mechanical joint restraint 100 can comprise a quantity offour of the fasteners 190.

As shown in each of FIGS. 1 and 2, the mechanical joint restraint 100can be common between multiple mechanical joints 80 such that the samemechanical joint restraint 100 can be used in a different configurationor orientation, including with a lesser or greater quantity of thefasteners 190 than that shown.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the flange 90 of the mechanical joint80 and of the piping element 60 shown in FIG. 1. The piping element60—and the flange 90 in particular—can comprise a first entrance wall410 defining a first entrance bore 414, a second entrance wall 420defining a second entrance bore 424, and a connecting wall 430 extendingfrom the first entrance wall 410 to the second entrance wall 420 anddefining a connecting bore 434. The first entrance wall 410, the secondentrance wall 420, and the connecting wall 430 can define a sealingcavity 480 around the outer surface 73 (shown in FIG. 1) of the pipelength 70 (shown in FIG. 1) for placement of at least the gasket 600.The flange 90 of the piping element 60 can define mounting openings 98a,b,c,d,e,f, which can be sized to receive the fasteners 190.

In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 3, some of the mounting openings 98can be a slot. In other aspects, as shown in FIG. 4, all of the mountingopenings 98 can be a hole. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, themounting openings 98 can be anti-rotation notches such as, for exampleand without limitation, a pair of anti-rotation notches 380 a,b. Thenumber of anti-rotation notches 380 should not be considered limiting onthe current disclosure, as in various other examples any desired numberof anti-rotation notches 380, including zero anti-rotation notches 380,can be present. In some aspects, the anti-rotation notches 380 a,b canbe configured to prevent the fasteners 190 (shown in FIG. 1), which canbe T-bolts (not shown as such) from rotating during pipe installationand, more specifically, the tightening of the fasteners 190, which wereotherwise tend to cause rotation of the fasteners 190. The anti-rotationnotches 380 can be configured to hold the head 192 of the fastener 190in place while tightening of the fastener 190 such that the operatordoes not have to hold the head of the fastener 190 in place. A head ofeach of the T-bolts can have an elongated “T” shape that cannot rotatewithout contacting some portion of the anti-rotation notches 380 andthereby not require a separate tool to prevent their rotation duringtightening of the mechanical joint 80.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the flange 90 of the mechanical joint80 and of the piping element 60 shown in FIG. 2. The piping element60—and the flange 90 in particular—can comprise the first entrance wall410 defining the first entrance bore 414, the second entrance wall 420defining the second entrance bore 424, and the connecting wall 430extending from the first entrance wall 410 to the second entrance wall420 and defining the connecting bore 434. Again, the first entrance wall410, the second entrance wall 420, and the connecting wall 430 candefine the sealing cavity 480 around the outer surface 73 of the pipelength 70 (shown in FIG. 2) for placement of at least the gasket 600. Asshown, however, the dimensions and orientations of each of the featuresand surfaces can vary between the piping element 60 shown in FIG. 1 andthe piping element 60 shown in FIG. 2. As shown, the connecting wall 430can be angled with respect to the first entrance wall 410 and the secondentrance wall 420 and with respect to the axis 101.

The flange 90 of the piping element 60 can define mounting openings 98,which can be sized to receive the fasteners 190. In some aspects, asshown in FIG. 3, some of the mounting openings 98 can be a slot. Inother aspects, as shown in FIG. 4, all of the mounting openings 98 canbe a hole. Any one or more of the aforementioned features of the pipingelements 60 exemplarily shown at least in FIGS. 3 and 4—including theflange 90 and the entrance walls 410,420—can define a female socket 400into which the pipe length 70 can be received.

The mounting openings 98 can define a first pattern (defined by aphysical arrangement of the holes) in the piping element 60 shown inFIG. 3, and the mounting openings 98 can define a second pattern in thepiping element 60 shown in FIG. 4. As shown, the second pattern can bedifferent from the first pattern.

The piping element 60 can optionally define an inflation channel ormedia channel 485 in the connecting wall 430. The media channel 485 canallow for movement of fluid in the pipe system from beyond the gasket600 into a portion of the sealing cavity 480 axially outward from aportion of the gasket 600 so that a pressure of the fluid can provideadditional sealing between the gasket 600 and the pipe length 70. Asshown, the piping element 60 can define a plurality of media channels485. The cross-sectional profile of each media channel 485 can besemi-circular, although other cross-sectional profiles are contemplatedby this disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the gasket 600, the grippingring 700, and the gland 800 of the mechanical joint restraint 100. Asshown, the gasket 600 can define an annular shape defining a gasket bore614 extending through the gasket 600 from a first gasket end 615 of thegasket 600 to a second gasket end 616 of the gasket 600. The gasket bore614 can define an axis 601 extending from the first gasket end 615 tothe second gasket end 616. The gasket 600 can define a sealing band 610,which can form a main body of the gasket 600 for later sealing of one ormore gaps between various parts of the mechanical joint restraint 100.The gasket can define an inner surface 612 defining the gasket bore 614and extending from the first gasket end 615 to the second gasket end616, an outer surface 613 extending from the first gasket end 615 to thesecond gasket end 616, a first end surface 625 (shown in FIG. 6) definedby the first gasket end 615, and a second end surface 626 (shown in FIG.6) defined by the second gasket end 616.

The gasket 600 can define a stop lip 618 proximate to and, as alsoshown, defining the first gasket end 615 of the gasket 600, and the stoplip 618 can extend radially inward from other portions of the gasket 600relative to the axis 601. The gasket 600 can define a stop lip 628proximate to the second gasket end 616 of the gasket 600, and the stoplip 628 can extend radially outward from other portions of the gasket600 relative to the axis 601. The gasket 600 can define a stop lip 638proximate to and, as also shown, defining the second gasket end 616 ofthe gasket 600, and the stop lip 638 can extend axially outward fromother portions of the gasket 600 relative to the first gasket end 615.As shown, the stop lip 638 can define one or more notches 680, which canbe aligned with and provide clearance for the fasteners 190 when themechanical joint restraint 100 is assembled. As shown, the gasket 600can comprise a pipe collar 640, which can extend from the sealing band610 to the stop lip 618.

The gripping ring 700 can define an annular shape with a ring bore 714extending through the gripping ring 700 from a first ring end 715 of thegripping ring 700 to a second ring end 716 of the gripping ring 700. Thering bore 714 can define an axis 701 extending from the first ring end715 to the second ring end 716. The gripping ring 700 can define a body710 for transferring force acting through various parts of themechanical joint restraint 100 into a surface of the pipe length 70(shown in FIG. 1). As shown, the gripping ring 700 can define a splitring wherein two circumferential ends 717 a,b of the gripping ring 700define a gap 718 therebetween. The gap 718 can allow for a compressionof the gripping ring 700 against the pipe length 70 and resultingreduction in a diameter of the gripping ring 700. The gripping ring 700can define an inner surface 712 defining the gripping ring bore 714 andextending from the first ring end 715 to the second ring end 716, anouter surface 713 extending from the first ring end 715 to the secondring end 716, a first end surface 725 (shown in FIG. 7) defined by thefirst ring end 715, and a second end surface 726 (shown in FIG. 7)defined by the second ring end 716.

The gland 800 can define an annular shape with a gland bore 814extending through the gland 800 from a first gland end 815 of the gland800 to a second gland end 816 of the gland 800. The gland bore 814 candefine an axis 801 extending from the first gland end 815 to the secondgland end 816. The gland 800 can define a body 810 for transferringforce acting through various parts of the mechanical joint restraint 100into a surface of the pipe length 70 (shown in FIG. 1). A verticalflange portion 820 of the gland 800 can define a plurality of fastenerholes 828, which can extend through the vertical flange portion 820 asshown and will be further described below. The gland 800 can define aninner surface 812 defining the gland bore 814 and extending from thefirst gland end 815 to the second gland end 816, an outer surface 813extending from the first gland end 815 to the second gland end 816, afirst end surface 825 (shown in FIG. 8) defined by the first gland end815, and a second end surface 826 defined by the second gland end 816.

The fastener holes 828 of the gland 800 can be configured to align withthe aforementioned first pattern or the aforementioned second pattern oranother pattern defined by the plurality of mounting openings 98 definedin the piping element 60. The gland 800 can thus be interchangeably usedwith multiple piping elements 60 by aligning the plurality of fastenerholes 828 of the gland 800 with the corresponding or matching pluralityof mounting openings 98 of the piping element 60.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the gasket 600. As shown, the gasket 600can comprise the sealing band 610, the stop lips 618,628,638, the pipecollar 640, and a ring collar 650. As shown, the ring collar 650 canextend in an axial direction from the sealing band 610 towards thesecond gasket end 616. The sealing band 610 can be positioned betweenthe pipe collar 640 and the ring collar 650. As shown, the stop lip 618can define a stop lip thickness T1, the pipe collar 640 can define apipe collar thickness T2, the sealing band 610 can define a sealing bandthickness T3, the ring collar 650 can define a ring collar thickness T4;the stop lip 628 can define a stop lip thickness T5, and the stop lip638 can define a stop lip thickness T6. Each of the thicknessesT2,T4,T4,T6 can be measured in a radial direction relative to the axes101,601 (601 shown in FIGS. 5 and 101 shown in FIG. 11). Each of thethicknesses T1,T5 can be measured in an axial direction relative to theaxes 101,601. In some aspects, as shown, the sealing band thickness T3can be greater than the ring collar thickness T4 and the pipe collarthickness T2. In some aspects, as shown, the ring collar thickness T4can also be greater than the pipe collar thickness T2. In other aspects,the pipe collar thickness T2 can be greater than the ring collarthickness T4.

For example and without limitation, the thickness T1 can be defined by adesired clearance in an axial direction relative to the axes 101,601between the pipe length 70 and the socket 400 proximate to the firststop lip 618; the thickness T2 can be defined by a desired clearance ina radial direction relative to the axes 101,601 between the pipe length70 and the socket 400 proximate to the pipe collar 640; the thickness T3can be defined by a desired clearance in the radial direction betweenthe pipe length 70 and the socket 400 proximate to the sealing band 610;the thickness T4 can be defined by a desired clearance between thegripping ring 700 and the socket 400, at least when the mechanical jointrestraint 100 is in an untightened condition; the thickness T5 can bedefined by a desired clearance in the axial direction between the gland800 and the socket 400; and the thickness T6 can be set to restrictmovement in the radial direction of the gland 800 with respect to thegasket 600. In some aspects, the thicknesses T1-T6 of the gasket 600 canbe made to match each other. In other aspects, one or more of thethicknesses T1-T6 of the gasket 600 can each measure a different valuefrom the other thicknesses T1-T6.

The stop lip 618 can define a stop lip height H1 measured from the innersurface 612 of the gasket bore 614 facing radially inward with respectto the axis 601 of the gasket 600. The stop lip 628 can define a stoplip height H2 measured from the outer surface 613 at the ring collar 650of the gasket 600 facing radially outward with respect to the axis 601of the gasket 600. The stop lip 638 can define a stop lip height H3measured from a stop lip bore portion 694 of the stop lip 628 facingaxially outward with respect to the axis 601 of the gasket 600. Each ofthe first gasket end 615 and the second gasket end 616 of the gasket 600can be vertical in cross-section and can be in facing contact with anymating part.

The outer surface 613 of the gasket 600—and in particular the sealingband 610—can define a shoulder 672 and a chamfered edge 674, which canbe angled at an angle 670 with respect to a neighboring portion of theouter surface 613 and with respect to the ring collar 650. The innersurface 612 of the gasket 600—and in particular the sealing band 610—candefine a sealing band bore portion 684 of the gasket bore 614 between apipe collar bore portion 682 and a transition edge 686, which can alsobe defined by the sealing band 610. In some aspects, the transition edge686 can define a radius in cross-section. In other aspects, thetransition edge 686 can be a chamfer. In some aspects, as shown, thesealing band bore portion 684 and the pipe collar bore portion 682 cantogether be substantially cylindrical. In other aspects, the pipe collarbore portion 682 or both the pipe collar bore portion 682 and thesealing band bore portion 684 can taper towards either the first gasketend 615 or the second gasket end 616.

A ring groove 690 can be defined within the gasket bore 614 between thesealing band 610 and the ring collar 650. The ring groove 690 can beconfigured to receive the first ring end 715 (shown in FIG. 7) of thegripping ring 700 (shown in FIG. 7). The ring groove 690 can be arelieved area for the first ring end 715 of the gripping ring 700 suchthat the gripping ring 700 can compress the gasket 600 withoutimmediately bottoming out in the ring groove 690. The sealing band 610can define an angled surface 688 between the transition edge 686 and aring collar bore portion 692 defined between the angled surface 688 orthe ring groove 690 and a stop lip bore portion 694. The gasket 600 candefine a stop lip bore portion 696 of the gasket bore 614 between thestop lip bore portion 694 and the second gasket end 616. A groove angleA1 can be defined between the sealing band bore portion 684 of thesealing band 610 and the angled surface 688 of the sealing band 610.

In some aspects, as shown, the groove angle A1 can be an acute angle. Asthe transition edge 686 extends from the sealing band bore portion 684to the angled surface 688, the transition edge 686 can extend radiallyoutward from the sealing band bore portion 684 and axially outwardtowards the second gasket end 616, in each case relative to the axis101. As the angled surface 688 extends from the ring groove 690 or aring collar bore portion 692 to the transition edge 686, the angledsurface 688 can extend radially inward toward the transition edge 686and axially inward towards the first gasket end 615 relative to the axis101.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the gripping ring 700. A radial innersurface of the gripping ring 700 further may include a plurality ofgripping members 704 extending radially inwardly. Each of the pluralityof gripping members 704 can be configured to engage the outer surface 73of the pipe length 70 upon radial compression of the gripping ring 700.In some aspects, as shown, the gripping members 704 are teeth, althoughother types of gripping members are contemplated within the scope ofthis disclosure. In some aspects, as shown, each of the teeth define atriangular shape in cross-section. In other aspects, the teeth can haveanother shape. As shown, the outer surface 713 of the gripping ring 700can comprise a first portion 752 and a second portion 754. As shown, afirst portion 752 can be tapered or sloped with respect to the secondportion 754 and with respect to the axis 601 of the gasket 600 by anangle 770. As shown, the second portion 754 can be aligned in crosssection with or parallel to the axis 601 of the gasket 600. Each of thefirst ring end 715 and the second ring end 716 of the gripping ring 700can be vertical in cross-section and can be in facing contact with anymating part.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the gland 800. As shown, the gland bore814 of the gland 800 can comprise a first portion 852. The first portion852 can be tapered or sloped with respect to the second portion 854 andwith respect to the axis 601 of the gasket 600 by an angle 870. Thesecond portion 854 can be aligned in cross section with or parallel tothe axis 601 of the gasket 600. The vertical flange portion 820 candefine a flange height H4, which can vary based on the angular positionon the flange 90 with respect to a reference angular position on thevertical flange portion 820. The gland 800 can further comprise ahorizontal flange portion 860, which can define the second portion 854,the first gland end 815, and a radially outer flange surface 863.Meanwhile, the vertical flange portion 820 can define an axially innerflange surface 823. Each of the radially outer flange surface 863 andthe axially inner flange surface 823 can be part of and be at leastpartially defined by the outer surface 813. Each of the first gland end815 and the second gland end 816 of the gland 800 can be vertical incross-section and can be in facing contact with any mating part.

FIG. 9 is an assembled perspective view of the mechanical jointrestraint 100 without the fasteners 190. As shown, each of the gasket600, the gripping ring 700, and the gland 800 can be aligned along therespective axes 601,701,801 and can together define a first end 915 anda second end 916 (again, without considering the fasteners 190). Whenthe mechanical joint restraint 100 is used with a pipe element such asthe piping element 60 shown in FIG. 1, six of the fastener holes 828a-1,b,c,d-1,e, f can be used to secure the gland 800 to thecorresponding mounting openings 98 a,b,c,d,e,f of the flange 90 of thepipe element 60. When the mechanical joint restraint 100 is used with adifferent pipe element such as the piping element 60 shown in FIG. 2, agreater or lesser number of the fastener holes 828—for example andwithout limitation, four of the fastener holes 828 and specifically 828a-2,b,c,d-2—can be used to secure the gland 800 to the correspondingmounting openings 98 a,b,c,d of the flange 90 of the pipe element 60.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the mechanical joint restraint 100. Asshown, the sealing band 610, the ring collar 650, and the ring collarbore portion 692 (shown in FIG. 6) of the gasket 600 can be sized toreceive a portion of the gripping ring 700 such as, for example andwithout limitation, that portion of the body 710 of the gripping ring700 defined by the first ring end 715—and the first end surface 725(shown in FIG. 7)—and the outer surface 713. The stop lip 628 and thestop lip bore portion 694 (shown in FIG. 6) as well as the stop lip 638and the stop lip bore portion 696 (shown in FIG. 6) can be sized toreceive a portion of the gland 800 such as, for example and withoutlimitation, that portion of the horizontal flange portion 860 defined bythe first gland end 815 and the first end surface 825. The first portion852 (shown in FIG. 8) and the second portion 854 (shown in FIG. 8) ofthe gland 800 can be sized to receive portions of the gripping ring 700such as, for example and without limitation, the first portion 752 andthe second portion 754.

Each of the mating surfaces of the piping element 60, the gasket 600,the gripping ring 700, and the gland 800 can define similar angles incross-section. For example and without limitation, the angle 770 of thegripping ring 700 can be equal to the angle 870 of the gland 800, theangle 670 (shown in FIG. 6) of the gasket 600 can be equal to an angledefined in axial cross-section by the connecting wall 430 (shown in FIG.11) of the piping element 60 (shown in FIG. 11), and so forth. Each ofthe gasket 600, the gripping ring 700, and the gland 800 can mate witheach other and with the piping element 60 and the pipe length 70 throughthe use of complementary surfaces with similar if not identical angles.Further, each of the gasket 600, the gripping ring 700, and the gland800 can nest within each other as shown, with each of the stop lip 618,the sealing band 610, the ring collar 650, the stop lip 628, and thestop lip 638 of the gasket 600 providing a stop surface or stop againstwhich a mating part such as the piping element 60 or the pipe length 70can contact. In fact, assembly of parts of the mechanical jointrestraint 100 in a reverse order such as by orienting the gripping ring700 in a reverse orientation direction axially opposite to thatshown—with the second ring end 716 of the gripping ring 700 proximate tothe first end 915—can be made practically impossible by shortening thefasteners 190 (shown in FIG. 11) or threaded portions thereof, or bysizing the parts with respect to the pipe length 70 to only engage orotherwise assemble with each other and with the piping element 60 andthe pipe length 70 when the mechanical joint restraint 100 itself isproperly assembled.

In some aspects, any one of an interface 1011 or an interface 1012between the gasket 600 and the gripping ring 700, an interface 1013between the gripping ring 700 and the gland 800, and an interface 1014or an interface 1015 between the gasket 600 and the gland 800 can bejoined with an adhesive such as, for example and without limitation, acyanoacrylate adhesive (such as sold under, for example and withoutlimitation, the LOCTITE brand by Henkel Corporation of Dusseldorf,Germany). By joining the parts to each other with adhesive, themechanical joint restraint can be assembled to and slid over the pipelength 70 as an assembly without a technician even needing to know howeach of the individual parts fit together.

The second gasket end 616 of the gasket 600 can be positioned in facingengagement with the horizontal flange portion 860 of the gland 800. Thegasket 600 can comprise an elastic and resilient material, such as, forexample and without limitation, an elastomer, polymer, or rubber. Insome aspects, as shown, the gasket 600 can be stretched over thehorizontal flange portion 860 of the gland 800 such that the gasket 600can be retained on the gland 800. In other aspects, the gasket 600 maynot or need not stretch over the gland 800, and the gasket 600 can fitover the gland 800 in a relaxed state. In some aspects, the gasket 600can be secured on the gripping ring 700 or the gland 800 such as with,for example and without limitation, glue, adhesive, mastic, epoxy, tape,or other fastening mechanism, such as a mechanical fastener. With thegasket 600 retained on the gripping ring 700 and the gland 800, themechanical joint restraint 100 can be handled as a single unit which canaid in the assembly of a mechanical joint as further described below. Insome aspects, the gasket 600 may not be secured to the gripping ring 700or the gland 800. In some aspects, the gasket 600 may not comprise thepipe collar 640 or the ring collar 650. In some aspects, the gasket 600may not define one or more of the stop lips 618,628,638.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are, respectively, sectional views of the mechanicaljoints 80 of FIGS. 1 and 2 but in an untightened condition wherein thegasket can be largely or completely uncompressed and the gripping ring700 can remain disengaged from the pipe length 70 in its natural stateand defining the gap 718 (shown in FIG. 5). As shown, the first end 75of the pipe length 70 can be captured by the stop lip 618 at the firstend 915 of the mechanical joint restraint 100 such that further movementof the pipe length 70 into the piping element 60 is restricted. This isbecause an inner diameter of the gasket 600 at the stop lip 618 can beless than an outer diameter of the pipe length 70. The first gland end815 (shown in FIG. 8) of the gland 800 can be captured by the stop lips628,638 proximate to the second gasket end 616 of the gasket 600 suchthat further movement of the gland 800 with respect to the gasket 600and other surrounding parts is restricted.

In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 11, the mechanical joint 80 cancomprise the socket 400 of the pipe element 60, the gasket 600, thegripping ring 700, the gland 800, and the pipe length 70. The pipingelement 60 commonly defines the socket 400, which can be configured toreceive either of the ends 75,76 of the pipe length 70 as well as thegasket 600.

In other aspects, as shown in FIG. 12, the mechanical joint 80 caninclude a portion of one or products identified with the AQUAGRIP markincluding the flange 90 of the pipe element 60. The piping element 60and the flange 90 can be similar to that sold under the AQUAGRIP brandsold by Anvil International. As shown, the mechanical joint 80 canincorporate the same mechanical joint restraint 100 even though theflange 90 as shown varies in size and shape in comparison to the flange90 of the mechanical joint 80 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a detail view of the mechanical joint 80 shown in FIG. 1 inan assembled but untightened condition, while FIG. 14 is a detail viewof the mechanical joint 80 of FIG. 1 in an assembled and tightenedcondition. As shown, the mechanical joint restraint 100 can be slippedover the first end 75 of the pipe length 70.

In some aspects, after the mechanical joint restraint 100 is slippedover the end 75 of the pipe length 70, both the mechanical jointrestraint 100 and the pipe length 70 can together be inserted into thesocket 400 of the piping element 60. The fasteners 190 can then betightened to pull the gland 800 towards the flange 90 of the pipingelement 60, thereby compressing the gasket 600 and the gripping ring 700in a radial direction towards the pipe length 70. The gasket 600 can becompressed into sealing engagement with the socket 400 and the outersurface 73 of the pipe length 70, and the gripping ring 700 can bestopped by the gasket 600, causing the gripping ring 700 to slide alongthe inner surface 812 of the gland 800, thereby radially compressing thegripping ring 700 by closing the gap 718 of the split ring and reducingan inner diameter of the ring bore 714 so that the gripping members 704engage the outer surface 73 of the pipe length 70.

In other aspects, the mechanical joint restraint 100 can be insertedinto the socket 400 of the piping element 60, and then the end 75 of thepipe length 70 can be inserted into both the mechanical joint restraint100 and also into the socket 400 of the piping element 60 until the end75 of the pipe length 70 contacts the stop lip 618 of the gasket 600. Asdescribed above, the fasteners 190 can then be tightened to pull thegland 800 towards the flange 90 of the piping element 60, therebycompressing the gasket 600 and the gripping ring 700 in a radialdirection towards the pipe length 70.

In yet other aspects, either the gasket 600 or both the gasket 600 andthe gripping ring 700 can first be inserted into the socket 400 of thepiping element 60. Then either the gland 800 or both the gripping ring700 and the gland 800 can be slipped over the end 75 of the pipe length70. Then the end 75 of the pipe length 70—with either or both of thegripping ring 700 and the gland 800 already installed—can be insertedinto either or both of the gasket 600 and the gripping ring 700 and alsointo the socket 400 of the piping element 60. As described above, thefasteners 190 can then be tightened to pull the gland 800 towards theflange 90 of the piping element 60, thereby compressing the gasket 600and the gripping ring 700 in a radial direction towards the pipe length70.

The mechanical joint 80 can be popular because it can work with a plainend of the pipe length 70 as shown and therefore does not require, forexample, the pipe length 70 to be formed with a grooved connection or aflanged connection, which must generally be formed with special tooling.Being able to use the plain end as-is allows for the pipe length 70 tobe cut to size in a field installation without the time and fieldequipment necessary to weld a flange to the plain end or to cut or rolla new groove in the plain end. As disclosed herein, the mechanical joint80 can be assembled quickly with common hand tools such as a wrench orratchet.

In some aspects, a method of using the mechanical joint restraint 100can comprise tightening each of the fasteners 190 to a specified torquesuch as in the range of, for example and without limitation, 65-90foot-pounds (approximately 88-122 Newton-meters). The method cancomprise compressing the gasket 600 in both axial and radial directionsrelative to the axes 101,601. The method can comprise sealing betweenthe mechanical joint restraint 100 and the pipe length 70 withengagement of the gripping ring 700. The method can comprise bottomingout the gland 800 against the flange 90—with only the second stop lip628 where present in between the gland 800 and the flange 90—toindicate, at least by feel from an increase in torque required tofurther tighten the fasteners 190, full and proper engagement of themechanical joint restraint 100 with the piping element 60 and the pipelength 70.

When tightening the fasteners 190 and specifically the nuts 196, thegripping ring 700 can grab the pipe length 70 and start to move itaxially towards the pipe element 60. The stop lip 618 of the gasket 600can set a preferred or desired gap between the first end 75 of the pipelength 70 and a pipe landing 1310 of the piping element 60 for idealgasket compression and sealing. The stop lip 618 can allow for correctassembly and eliminate any need to measure and mark the pipe length 70before assembly.

In some aspects, the method can comprise inserting the end of the pipelength 70 into the gland bore 814 of the gland after the gasket 600 andthe gland 800 have been joined with adhesive. The method can compriseseating the first end 75 of the pipe length 70 against the stop lip 618of the gasket 600. The method can comprise aligning the plurality offastener holes 828 of the gland 800 with the plurality of mountingopenings 98 of the piping element 60.

A method of manufacturing the mechanical joint restraint 100 cancomprise forming the gasket 600; forming the gripping ring 700; formingthe gland 800; aligning the axis 701 of the gripping ring 700 and theaxis 801 of the gland 800 collinearly with the axis 601 of the gasket600; positioning the gripping ring 700 radially inward from the ringcollar 650 of the gasket 600 and the gland bore 814 of the gland 800 andradially outward from the sealing band 610 of the gasket 600 withrespect to the first gasket end 615; positioning the gland 800 axiallyoutward from the stop lip 628 of the gasket 600 with respect to thefirst gasket end 615 with the mechanical joint restraint 100 in anassembled condition; and joining the gripping ring 700 and the gland 800to the gasket 600 with an adhesive. In some aspects the gripping ring700 need not be present and the gasket 600 alone can seal between thepiping element 60 and the pipe length 70 and secure the pipe length 70with respect to the piping element 60.

In some aspects, using a single variation of the mechanical jointrestraint 100 disclosed herein, the pipe length 70 can be formed fromstandard industry materials including, for example and withoutlimitation, ductile iron and polyvinylchloride (PVC). In such aspects,part inventory requirements can be reduced in a factory, in warehousingand sales operations, and in field servicing operations. In otheraspects, different variations of the mechanical joint restraint 100 canbe prepared for optimization of particular user applications. In anycase, the mechanical joint restraint 100 can make for a simplified,efficient, and reliable mechanical joint 80; can use the gripping ring700, which does not “point” stress plastic pipes; and can operate with aminimal number of components. Furthermore, a seal created between thepipe length 70 and the piping element 60 need not be susceptible to theeffect of corrosion and need not require special assembly procedures andspecialized training or skill based on the various aspects disclosedherein.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the mechanical joint restraint 100 inaccordance with another aspect of the current disclosure. As shown, themechanical joint restraint 100 can comprise the gasket 600, a bridge2000, the gripping ring 700, and the gland 800.

As shown, the gasket 600 can define the gasket bore 614 extendingthrough the gasket 600 from the first gasket end 615 of the gasket 600to the second gasket end 616 of the gasket 600. The gasket bore 614 candefine the axis 601 extending from the first gasket end 615 to thesecond gasket end 616. The gasket 600 can define the sealing band 610.The gasket can define the inner surface 612 defining the gasket bore 614and extending from the first gasket end 615 to the second gasket end616, an outer surface 613 extending from the first gasket end 615 to thesecond gasket end 616, the first end surface 625 (shown in FIG. 16)defined by the first gasket end 615, and the second end surface 626defined by the second gasket end 616.

The gasket 600 can define the stop lip 618 proximate to and, as alsoshown, defining the first gasket end 615 of the gasket 600. The stop lip618 can extend radially inward from other portions of the gasket 600relative to the axis 601. The gasket 600 can define a stop lip 628proximate to the second gasket end 616 of the gasket 600, and the stoplip 628 can extend radially outward from other portions of the gasket600 relative to the axis 601 and, as also shown, can define the secondgasket end 616 of the gasket 600. The gasket 600 can comprise the pipecollar 640, which can extend from the sealing band 610 to the stop lip618. The gasket 600 can comprise the ring collar 650, which can extendfrom the sealing band 610 to the stop lip 628.

The gripping ring 700 can define the ring bore 714 extending through thegripping ring 700 from the first ring end 715 of the gripping ring 700to the second ring end 716 of the gripping ring 700. The ring bore 714can define the axis 701 extending from the first ring end 715 to thesecond ring end 716. The gripping ring 700 can define the body 710. Asshown, the gripping ring 700 can define a split ring wherein twocircumferential ends 717 a,b of the gripping ring 700 define the gap 718therebetween. The gripping ring 700 can define the inner surface 712defining the gripping ring bore 714 and extending from the first ringend 715 to the second ring end 716, the outer surface 713 extending fromthe first ring end 715 to the second ring end 716, the first end surface725 (shown in FIG. 7), and the second end surface 726 (shown in FIG. 7).

The bridge 2000 can be positioned between the gasket 600 and thegripping ring 700. A first end 2015 can face the gasket, and a secondend 2016 can face the gripping ring 700. The bridge 2000 can extend in acircumferential direction of each of the bridge 2000, the gasket 600,and the gripping ring 700. As shown, a tab 2020 can extend from a body2010 of the bridge 2000. The tab 2020 can be sized and configured to fitinside the gap 718 of the gripping ring 700.

The gland 800 can define an annular shape in which the gland bore 814can extend through the gland 800 from the first gland end 815 to thesecond gland end 816. The gland bore 814 can define the axis 801extending from the first gland end 815 to the second gland end 816. Thegland 800 can define the body 810. The vertical flange portion 820 ofthe gland 800 can define the plurality of fastener holes 828, which canextend through the vertical flange portion 820 as shown and will befurther described below. The gland 800 can define the inner surface 812defining the gland bore 814 and extending from the first gland end 815to the second gland end 816, the outer surface 813 extending from thefirst gland end 815 to the second gland end 816, the first end surface825 (shown in FIG. 23) defined by the first gland end 815, and thesecond end surface 826 defined by the second gland end 816.

As described above, the gland 800 can be interchangeably used withmultiple piping elements 60 (shown in FIG. 1) by aligning the pluralityof fastener holes 828 of the gland with the corresponding or matchingplurality of mounting openings 98 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) of the pipingelement 60.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the gasket 600 of FIG. 15. In someaspects, as shown, the gasket 600 and any other components of themechanical joint restraint 100 can comprise elements different from orof a different shape than those disclosed above. In some aspects, any ofthe previously disclosed elements can be combined with or incorporatedinto the gasket 600 shown, and any of the newly disclosed elements canbe combined with or incorporated into the gasket 600 shown in FIG. 6.

As shown, the gasket 600 can comprise only the stop lips 618,628 and notthe stop lip 638. The stop lip thickness T5 can be greater than eitherof the pipe collar thickness T2 and the ring collar thickness T4. Anintersection between the stop lip 618 and the pipe collar 640 or aportion of the stop lip 618 at the first gasket end 615 can define anedge treatment 1615, which can define a radius or chamfer extendingaround a circumference of the gasket 600. The edge treatment 1615 canhelp guide the gasket 600 into the socket 400 (shown in FIG. 23) of thepiping element 60 (shown in FIG. 23) during assembly of the mechanicaljoint 80 (shown in FIG. 23). Similarly, the pipe collar 640 can betapered towards the first gasket end 615 of the gasket, i.e., thethickness T2 can decrease towards the first gasket end 615, to similarlyhelp guide the gasket 600 into the socket 400 of the piping element 60during assembly of the mechanical joint 80.

The outer surface 613 of the gasket 600—and in particular the sealingband 610—can define a radiused surface 1674 defining a radius R1674. Theradiused surface 1674 can facilitate an improved seal with the socket400 of the piping element 60. For example, when a portion of theradiused surface 1674 contacts the socket 400 of the piping element 60before remaining portions of the radiused surface 1674 of the outersurface 613 of the gasket 600, that portion can function as a rib itselfsimilar to the rib 1610 when defined in the inner surface 612. In someaspects, the groove angle A1, which can be defined between thehorizontal and the angled surface 688 of the sealing band 610, can be a90-degree angle. The angled surface 688 can define a cavity or recess1680, which can be sized to receive the bridge 2000 (shown in FIG. 15).Wall surfaces of the recess 1680 can be drafted on one or more sides tofacilitate, for example and without limitation, receipt of the bridge2000 during assembly and/or fabrication of the gasket 600. The recess1680 can define a depth D5 (shown in FIG. 17) measured in an axialdirection of the gasket 600. The depth D5 can be sized to receive a fullaxial length or thickness in an axial direction 2001 (shown in FIG. 20)of the body 2010 of the bridge 2000.

In some aspects, as shown, the gasket 600 can define a rib 1610 on or inthe inner surface 612 of the gasket 600. More specifically, the innersurface 612 of the gasket 600—and in particular the sealing band 610—candefine the rib 1610 in the sealing band bore portion 684 of the gasketbore 614 between the pipe collar bore portion 682 and the transitionedge 686. In some aspects, as shown, the rib 1610 and the sealing bandbore portion 684 can define two portions 1611,1612 angled with respectto the axis 601 (shown in FIG. 15) in opposite directions from eachother. The rib 1610 can define a peak 1613 defined between the portions1611,1612. In some aspects, as shown, either or both of the portions1611,1612 can be conical or can be angled with respect to the axis 601of the gasket 600. In some aspects, the portions 1611,1612 can behyperbolic, convex, or otherwise rounded in cross section.

The outer surface 613 of the gasket 600 can define one or more ribs 1620a,b,c on or in the outer surface 613 of the gasket 600. The one or moreribs 1620 a,b,c can be positioned on a portion of the outer surface 613configured to contact and seal against the socket 400 of the pipingelement 60. As shown, the gasket 600 can define a plurality of the ribs1620 a,b,c on the outer surface 613. In some aspects, more specifically,the gasket 600 can define three ribs 1620 a,b,c on the outer surface613. In some aspects, the gasket 600 can define less than or more thanthe three ribs 1620 a,b,c on the outer surface 613 as desired. One ormore of the ribs 1620 a,b,c can define a semi-circular shape in crosssection and can define a height H7 (shown in FIG. 17). As will bedescribed below, one or more ribs 1640 (shown in FIG. 17) can extend inan axial direction between the ribs 1620 a,b,c. As shown, the one ormore ribs 1640 can extend in an axial direction between each of the ribs1620 a,b,c.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the gasket 600 of FIG. 18 in accordancewith another aspect of the current disclosure. In some aspects, asshown, the gasket 600 can define one or more ribs 1610 a,b,c,d on or inthe inner surface 612. More specifically, the inner surface 612 of thegasket 600—and in particular the sealing band 610—can define the rib orribs 1610 a,b,c,d in the sealing band bore portion 684 of the gasketbore 614 between the pipe collar bore portion 682 and the transitionedge 686. As shown, the gasket 600 can define a plurality of the ribs1610 a,b,c,d on or in the inner surface 612. In some aspects, morespecifically, the gasket 600 can define four ribs 1610 a,b,c,d on theinner surface 612. In some aspects, the gasket 600 can define less thanor more than the four ribs 1610 a,b,c,d on the inner surface 612 asdesired. One or more of the ribs 1610 a,b,c,d can define a semi-circularshape in cross section and can define a height H6. As will be describedbelow, one or more ribs 1630 can extend in an axial direction betweenthe ribs 1610 a,b,c,d. As shown, the one or more ribs 1630 can extend inan axial direction between each of the ribs 1610 a,b,c,d. In someaspects, the ribs 1610 a,b,c,d can be separated from each other on theinner surface 612 by a distance equal to between one rib diameter andtwo rib diameters. In some aspects, the ribs 1620 a,b,c can be separatedfrom each other on the outer surface 613 by a distance equal to betweenone rib diameter and two rib diameters. Such separation between the oneor more ribs 1610 a,b,c,d and the one or more ribs 1620 a,b,c can permitnot only the material forming the one or more ribs 1610 a,b,c,d and theone or more ribs 1620 a,b,c to “flow” or deform during compression butonly the material forming the rest of the gasket.

FIG. 18 is a detail perspective view of the first gasket end 615 of thegasket 600 of FIG. 15. As shown, a plurality of the ribs 1620 a,b,c canextend in a circumferential direction around a full circumference of thegasket 600 on the outer surface 613, and a plurality of the ribs 1640can extend in an axial direction and intersect with the plurality ofribs 1620 a,b,c. Similarly, as shown, a plurality of the ribs 1610 a,b,ccan extend in a circumferential direction around a full circumference ofthe gasket 600 on the inner surface 612, and a plurality of the ribs1630 can extend in an axial direction and intersect with the pluralityof ribs 1610 a,b,c,d. The ribs 1630 and the ribs 1640, respectively, canbe distributed not only between the ribs 1610 a,b,c,d and the ribs 1620a,b,c but also at intervals in circumferential direction around thegasket 600. As shown, the ribs 1630 and the ribs 1640 can be distributedat regular intervals around the circumference of the gasket 600. Theribs 1630 and the ribs 1640, respectively, can improve strength of theribs 1610 a,b,c,d and the ribs 1620 a,b,c by tying, respectively, theribs 1610 a,b,c,d and the ribs 1620 a,b,c together. Just as addingsupports under a bridge can limit deflection of any span of the bridgebetween the supports, tying the ribs 1610 a,b,c,d together with the ribs1630 can limit the deflection and potential deformation or even tearingof the ribs 1610 a,b,c,d between the ribs 1630, which can be otherwisepossible when assembling the mechanical joint restraint 100 to thepiping element 60 and to the pipe length 70 because of sharp edges onthe piping element 60 and/or the pipe length 70. Similarly, tying theribs 1620 a,b,c together with the ribs 1640 can limit the deflection andpotential deformation or even tearing of the ribs 1620 a,b,c between theribs 1640. The ribs 1630,1640 can also trap water between thecircumferential ribs 1610 a,b,c,d and 1620 a,b,c to further facilitatesealing between the gasket 600 and the piping element 60 and/or the pipelength 70.

FIG. 19 is a detail perspective view of the second gasket end 616 of thegasket 600 of FIG. 15 showing the recess 1680 in the angled surface 688.The recess 1680, which can extend in a circumferential direction aroundthe gasket 600, can define a circumferential length 1980 and a radialheight 1990. The recess 1680 can be positioned at any circumferentialposition on the gasket 600. The recess 1680 can define a bottom surface1681.

FIGS. 20-22 show the bridge 2000. FIG. 20 is a first side view, FIG. 21is a second side view, and FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the bridge 2000.The body 2010 can extend in a circumferential direction 2005 and the tab2020 can extend from the body 2010 in the axial direction 2001 of thebridge 2000. In addition to the first end 2015 and the second end 2016(shown in FIG. 21), the body 2010 can further define circumferentialends 2018,2019 (2019 shown in FIG. 22), opposite side surfaces 2011,2012(2012 shown in FIG. 21), a radially inner surface 2013 (shown in FIG.22), and a radially outer surface 2014. As shown in FIG. 22, the body2010 of the bridge 2000 can define a circumferential length 2280 and aradial height 2290, which can be sized to be received within the recess1680 of the gasket 600. In some aspects, the circumferential length 2280and the radial height 2290 can be equal to or less than the respectivecircumferential length 1980 (shown in FIG. 19) and the radial height1990 (shown in FIG. 19) of the recess 1680 (shown in FIG. 19) of thegasket 600 (shown in FIG. 19). In other aspects, the circumferentiallength 2280 and the radial height 2290 can be greater than therespective circumferential length 1980 and the radial height 1990 of therecess 1680 of the gasket 600, such as slightly greater to provide atight fit to hold the bridge 200 in place in the recess 1680. As alsoshown, the tab 2020 can define a thickness 2028, which can extend or bemeasured in a circumferential direction between opposite side surfaces2021,2022 (2021 shown in FIG. 20), and an axial length 2025 extending inthe axial direction 2001. The tab 2020 can be centered in the body 2010in the circumferential direction 2005. Each of the body 2010 and the tab2020 can define a rectangular shape in cross-section.

FIG. 23 is a detail sectional view of the mechanical joint 80 comprisingthe mechanical joint restraint 100 of FIG. 15 in an assembled butuntightened condition similar to that taken from detail 13 of FIG. 11,while FIG. 24 is a detail sectional view of the mechanical joint 80 ofFIG. 23 in an assembled and tightened condition. In some aspects, afterthe mechanical joint restraint 100 is slipped over the end 75 of thepipe length 70, both the mechanical joint restraint 100 and the pipelength 70 can together be inserted into the socket 400 of the pipingelement 60. Similarly as described with respect to FIGS. 13 and 14, thefasteners 190 can then be tightened to pull the gland 800 towards theflange 90 of the piping element 60, thereby compressing the gasket 600and the gripping ring 700 in a radial direction towards the pipe length70. When compressing the gasket 600 into sealing engagement with thesocket 400 and the outer surface 73 of the pipe length 70, positioningthe bridge 2000 at the gap 718 (shown in FIG. 15) defined between theends 717 a,b (shown in FIG. 15) of the gripping ring 700 can ensurecompression of the gasket 600 even at the gap 718 where no portion ofthe gripping ring 700 is present to push against the gasket 600. As thegripping ring 700 can slide along the inner surface 812 (shown in FIG. 8with respect to another aspects of the gland 800) of the gland 800 andbe radially compressed, the gripping ring 700 can also slide in a radialdirection towards the outer surface 73 of the pipe length 70 along asurface of each of the bridge 2000 and the gasket 600. As discussedabove, an inner diameter of the ring bore 714 of the gripping ring 700can be reduced so that the gripping members 704 (shown in FIG. 14)engage the outer surface 73 of the pipe length 70.

In other aspects, as described above, the mechanical joint restraint 100can be inserted into the socket 400 of the piping element 60, and thenthe end 75 of the pipe length 70 can be inserted into both themechanical joint restraint 100 and also into the socket 400 of thepiping element 60 and the resulting mechanical joint 80 tightened.

In yet other aspects, either the gasket 600 and the bridge 2000 or elsethe gasket 600, the bridge 2000, and the gripping ring 700 can first beinserted into the socket 400 of the piping element 60. Then either thegland 800 or both the gripping ring 700 and the gland 800 can be slippedover the end 75 of the pipe length 70. Then the end 75 of the pipelength 70—with either or both of the gripping ring 700 and the gland 800already installed—can be inserted into either or both of the gasket 600and the gripping ring 700 and also into the socket 400 of the pipingelement 60. As described above, the fasteners 190 can then be tightenedto pull the gland 800 towards the flange 90 of the piping element 60,thereby compressing the gasket 600 and the gripping ring 700 in a radialdirection towards the pipe length 70.

In some aspects, by tightening each of the fasteners 190 to a specifiedtorque such as in the range of, for example and without limitation,65-90 foot-pounds (approximately 88-122 Newton-meters), an increasedpressure rating is possible with the gasket 600 comprising any of therib 1610, the ribs 1610 a,b,c,d, the ribs 1620 a,b.c, the ribs 1630, andthe ribs 1640. Increasing the pressure rating without increase thetorque specification for the mechanical joint restraint 100 can beadvantageous because increase torque requirements can mean special toolsand additional clearance around the work area, which may not beavailable. In some aspects, incorporating the rib 1610 into the gasket600 can increase the pressure rating from 380 psi (pounds per squareinch) in a design without the rib 1610 or any other rib to 500 psi. Insome aspects, incorporating the ribs 1610 a,b,c,d into the gasket 600can increase the pressure rating from 380 psi (pounds per square inch)without the rib 1610 a,b,c,d or any other rib to 700 psi. One reasonthat the installation torque can be maintained while also increasing thepressure rating of the mechanical joint 80 is that it is requires lessforce to compress ribs—especially narrower, localized ribs such as theone or more ribs 1610 a,b,c,d or the one or more ribs 1620 a,b,c—andalso the ribs 1630,1640—than a wide smooth surface devoid of ribs. Astandard installation torque applied to the mechanical joint 80comprising a gasket defining the one or more ribs 1610 a,b,c,d or theone or more ribs 1620 a,b,c—with or without the ribs 1630,1640 canresult in a higher localized pressure between the respective ribs andeither the piping element 60 or the pipe length 70, which can therebyimprove the seal and thus the pressure rating. In some aspects, theimproved seal possible with the mechanical joint restraint 100 disclosedherein can make it possible to comply with long-term agency tests suchas a 1000-hour UL sustained pressure test and can make it possible toobtain UL (Underwriter's Laboratories) and/or FM (Factory Mutual)approvals or achieve compliance with UL and/or FM standards. For exampleand without limitation, the disclosed mechanical joint restraint 1000and any portion thereof or system of which it is a part can comply withany one or more of UL Standard 1285 (Standard for Pipe and Couplings,Polyvinyl Chloride, and Oriented Polyvinyl Chloride for Underground FireService), UL Standard 194 (Standard for Gasketed Joints for Ductile-IronPipe and Fittings for Fire Protection Service), and FM Standard 1620(Pipe Joints and Anchor Fittings for Underground Fire Service Mains).

In some aspects, as shown, the body 2010 of the bridge 2000 can bepositioned between the second gasket end 616 (shown in FIG. 16) of thegasket 600 and the first ring end 715 (shown in FIG. 7) of the grippingring 700, and as shown in the exploded view of FIG. 15 the tab 2020 canextend into the gap 718. The bridge 2000 can be in contact with each ofthe pair of circumferential ends 717 a,b of the gripping ring 700 andcan extend in a circumferential direction of the gripping ring 700across the gap 718 therebetween. In some aspects, at least a portion ofthe body 2010 of the bridge 2000 can be received within the recess 1680defined in the second gasket end 616 of the gasket 600. Morespecifically, the surface 2011 of the body 2010 can contact a bottomsurface 1681 of the recess 1680, and the surface 2012 of the body 2010can contact the first ring end 715 of the gripping ring 700. In someaspects, as shown, a full depth in the axial direction 2001 of thebridge 200 can be received within the recess 1680 of the gasket 600. Insome aspects, as also shown, at least a portion of the inner surface 812of the gland 800 can define a cylindrical shape. When the definition ofthe cylindrical shape in the inner surface 812 of the gland 800 makespossible a larger depth or thickness of the gland 800 in the axialthickness—or a cross-section that otherwise has an increased moment ofinertia able to more easily resist deflection or bending, especially ofportions of the gland 800 between the fasteners 190, such reduceddeflection of the gland during assembly of the mechanical joint 80 canfurther improve sealing. Use of the bridge 2000, because it can bereceived within only the recess 1680 of the gasket 600, can ensure aconsistent orientation of the gripping ring 700 with respect to thegasket 600. In some aspects, the body 2010 of the bridge 2000 can bepositioned between the second ring end 716 (shown in FIG. 7) of thegripping ring 700 and the first end 815 (shown in FIG. 8) of the gland800, and the axial length 2025 (shown in FIG. 22) of the tab 2010 canextend a distance equal to an axial length of the gripping ring 700 inorder to contact and support the gasket 600 upon assembly and tighteningof the mechanical joint restraint 100.

A method of using the mechanical joint restraint 100 can compriseassembling the mechanical joint restraint 100 to each of a pipe length70 and the socket 400 of the piping element 60. As described above, thegasket 600 can define a first gasket end 615 facing and engaging thesocket and a second gasket end 616 positioned distal from the firstgasket end 616 in an axial direction along the axis 101 of themechanical joint restraint 1010. The gland 800 can be positioned axiallyoutward from the gasket 600 with respect to the first gasket end 615.The gripping ring 700 can be positioned between the gasket 600 and thegland 800 and can be a split ring defining the circumferential ends 717a,b and the gap 718 therebetween. The bridge 2000 can face and engageeach of the circumferential ends 717 a,b of the gripping ring 700 andcan extend in a circumferential direction of the gripping ring 700across the gap 718 therebetween. The method can comprise drawing thegland 800 of the mechanical joint restraint 100 towards a flange 90 ofthe piping element 60 to compress the gasket 600 into sealing engagementwith each of the piping element 60 and the pipe length 70. A forceresulting from movement of the gland 800 can transfer to an entirecircumference of the gasket 600 by a surface of the gripping ring 700such as the first end surface 725 (shown in FIG. 7) and a surface of thebridge 2000 such as the side surface 2011. By maintaining a forceagainst the gasket 600 around the entire circumference of the gasket600, such as with the bridge 2000, leakage can additionally beprevented—whether after initial assembly or over time due to lack ofsupport on the gasket 600.

In some aspects, the method can comprise compressing the one or moreribs 1620 a,b,c against the socket 400 of the piping element 60. In someaspects, the method can comprise compressing the rib 1610 or the one ormore ribs 1610 a,b,c,d against the outer surface 73 of the pipe length70. In some aspects, the method can comprise compressing both the one ormore ribs 1620 a,b,c against the socket 400 of the piping element 60 andcompressing the rib 1610 or the one or more ribs 1610 a,b,c,d againstthe outer surface 73 of the pipe length 70.

When the gasket 600 defines the rib 1610 or the one or more ribs 1610a,b,c,d on the inner surface 612 of the gasket 600, the step ofcompressing the rib 1610 or the one or more ribs 1610 a,b,c,d againstthe outer surface of the pipe length can comprise fixing a position ofthe respective rib 1610 or the one or more ribs 1610 a,b,c,d of thegasket 600 with respect to the outer surface 73 of the pipe length 70before contacting the pipe length 70 with a remaining portion of theinner surface 612 of the gasket 600. Fixing the position of therespective rib 1610 or the one or more ribs 1610 a,b,c,d of the gasket600 with respect to the outer surface 73 of the pipe length 70 beforecontacting the pipe length 70 with a remaining portion of the innersurface 612 of the gasket 600 can reduce or prevent inconsistent ornonuniform deformation of the gasket 600 during compression bycompressing most of the gasket 600 only after the gasket is in contactwith the pipe length 60 at the now fixed position of the rib 1610 or theone or more ribs 1610 a,b,c,d. In some aspects, such fixing of theposition of the rib 1610 or the ribs 1610 a,b,c,d can make compressionof the gasket more predictable. During compression of the gasket 600,fixing a position of the one or more ribs 1620 a,b,c,d of the gasket 600with respect to the socket 400 of the piping element 60 beforecontacting the socket 400 of the piping element 60 with a remainingportion of the outer surface 613 of the gasket 600 can have a similarlyadvantageous effect. In contrast, inconsistent or nonuniform deformationof the gasket 600 can reduce the effectiveness of the gasket 600 againstthe pipe length 70. The method can comprise stopping radial compressionof the gripping ring 700 by preventing further movement of thecircumferential ends 717 a,b of the gripping ring 700 in acircumferential direction with the thickness 2028 of the tab 2020positioned therebetween. The thickness 2028 can be made thicker orthinner to increase or decrease a minimum radius of the ring bore 714 ofthe gripping ring 700, which can prevent bottom out of the gripping ring700 on the pipe length 70, which can damage the pipe length 70,especially when formed from a softer material such as PVC. The methodcan comprise assembling the mechanical joint restraint 100 to each ofthe pipe length 70 and the socket 400 of the piping element 60 in apre-assembled condition of the mechanical joint restraint 100.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do notinclude, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elementsand/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspectsor that one or more particular aspects necessarily comprise logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect.

It should be emphasized that the above-described aspects are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which comprise oneor more executable instructions for implementing specific logicalfunctions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations areincluded in which functions may not be included or executed at all, maybe executed out of order from that shown or discussed, includingsubstantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on thefunctionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonablyskilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations andmodifications may be made to the above-described aspect(s) withoutdeparting substantially from the spirit and principles of the presentdisclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended tocover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements,features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications andvariations are intended to be included herein within the scope of thepresent disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects orcombinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by thepresent disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A mechanical joint restraint comprising: agasket defining an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surfacedefining a bore, the bore defining an axis therethrough, the gasketdefining a first gasket end and a second gasket end; a gland defining abore defining an axis and positioned axially outward from the gasketwith respect to the first gasket end with the mechanical joint restraintin an assembled condition, the axis of the gland aligned collinearlywith the axis of the gasket; a gripping ring positioned between thegasket and the gland, the gripping ring being a split ring defining apair of circumferential ends and a gap therebetween; and a bridgeengaging each of the pair of circumferential ends of the gripping ringand extending in a circumferential direction of the gripping ring acrossthe gap therebetween with the mechanical joint restraint in theassembled condition.
 2. The mechanical joint restraint of claim 1,wherein the bridge comprises a body extending in the circumferentialdirection and a tab extending from the body in an axial direction of thegripping ring, the tab extending into the gap.
 3. The mechanical jointrestraint of claim 2, wherein the body of the bridge is positionedbetween the second gasket end of the gasket and a first end of thegripping ring.
 4. The mechanical joint restraint of claim 3, wherein atleast a portion of the body of the bridge is received within a cavitydefined in the second gasket end of the gasket.
 5. The mechanical jointrestraint of claim 1, wherein the gasket defines a rib on one of aninner surface and an outer surface of the gasket.
 6. The mechanicaljoint restraint of claim 2, wherein the gasket defines the rib on theouter surface, the rib positioned on a portion of the outer surfaceconfigured to contact a socket of a piping element.
 7. The mechanicaljoint restraint of claim 2, wherein the gasket defines the rib on theinner surface.
 8. The mechanical joint restraint of claim 2, wherein thegasket defines a plurality of ribs on one of the inner surface and theouter surface.
 9. The mechanical joint restraint of claim 2, wherein thegasket defines a plurality of ribs, the plurality of ribs comprising aplurality of ribs extending in a circumferential direction around a fullcircumference of the gasket and a plurality of ribs extending in anaxial direction and intersecting with the plurality of ribs extending inthe circumferential direction.
 10. The mechanical joint restraint ofclaim 2, wherein the rib defines a semi-circular shape in cross section.11. The mechanical joint restraint of claim 1, wherein an inner surfaceof the gland defines a cylindrical shape.
 12. A mechanical jointcomprising: a piping element comprising a flange and defining a socket;a pipe length positioned inside the socket; and a mechanical jointrestraint securing the pipe length to the piping element, the mechanicaljoint restraint comprising a gasket defining an inner surface and anouter surface, the inner surface defining a bore, the bore defining anaxis therethrough, the gasket defining a first gasket end and a secondgasket end, the gasket defining a rib on one of the inner surface andthe outer surface of the gasket.
 13. The mechanical joint of claim 12,further comprising a gripping ring and a gland, the gripping ringpositioned between the gasket and the gland with the mechanical jointrestraint in an assembled condition, the gripping ring being a splitring defining a pair of circumferential ends and a gap therebetween. 14.The mechanical joint of claim 17, further comprising a bridge in contactwith each of the pair of circumferential ends of the gripping ring andextending in a circumferential direction of the gripping ring across thegap therebetween.
 15. The mechanical joint of claim 14, wherein thebridge comprises a body extending in the circumferential direction and atab extending from the body in an axial direction of the gripping ring,the tab extending into the gap.
 16. A method of using a mechanical jointrestraint, the method comprising: assembling the mechanical jointrestraint to each of a pipe length and a socket of a piping element, themechanical joint restraint defining an axis and comprising: a gasketdefining a first gasket end engaging the socket and a second gasket endpositioned distal from the first gasket end in an axial direction alongthe axis of the mechanical joint restraint; a gland positioned axiallyoutward from the gasket with respect to the first gasket end; a grippingring positioned between the gasket and the gland, the gripping ringbeing a split ring defining a pair of circumferential ends and a gaptherebetween; and a bridge engaging each of the pair of circumferentialends of the gripping ring and extending in a circumferential directionof the gripping ring across the gap therebetween; and drawing the glandof the mechanical joint restraint towards a flange of the piping elementto compress the gasket into sealing engagement with each of the pipingelement and the pipe length, a force resulting from movement of thegland being transferred to an entire circumference of the gasket by asurface of the gripping ring and a surface of the bridge.
 17. The methodof claim 16, wherein the gasket defines a rib on one of an inner surfaceand an outer surface of the gasket, the method further comprisingcompressing the rib against one of the socket of the piping element andan outer surface of the pipe length.
 18. The method of claim 17, whereinthe gasket defines the rib on the inner surface of the gasket, themethod further comprising compressing the rib against the outer surfaceof the pipe length, wherein compressing the rib against the outersurface of the pipe length comprises fixing a position of the rib of thegasket with respect to the outer surface of the pipe length beforecontacting the pipe length with a remaining portion of the inner surfaceof the gasket.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the bridge comprisesa body extending in the circumferential direction and a tab extendingfrom the body in an axial direction of the gripping ring, the tabextending into the gap, the method further comprising stopping radialcompression of the gripping ring by preventing further movement of thecircumferential ends of the gripping ring in a circumferential directionwith the tab positioned therebetween.
 20. The method of claim 16,wherein the mechanical joint restraint is in a pre-assembled conditionwhen assembling the mechanical joint restraint to each of the pipelength and the socket of the piping element.